Reds flyer Digby Ioane has been ‘stood down’ for their upcoming clash against the Force.

This comes after Ioane was allegedly involved in an assault at a Mebourne Pub.

Ioane’s ban is not as a result of police questioning, but because of his failure to demonstrate the necessary behaviour of a senior player within the squad.

No shortcuts for Pocock

David Pocock is likely to miss the British and Irish Lions tour due his ruptured ACL despite there being an alternate surgery which could see him return sooner.

Pocock is set to meet surgeons today where he will be given two options. First of these is the traditional reconstruction which will rule him out for 6 months. That will mean the player could only return for the Rugby Championship later in the year, or more likely, only the End of Year Tour in November.

His second option is a revolutionary LARS surgery, which would see Pocock back on the field in three months. Seeing that Pocock is only 24 years old, the traditional reconstruction will be advised as future complications could then be avoided.

Brumbies coach Jake White will have to pull another rabbit out of the hat, as Pocock’s likely replacement in the team is out of contract before the end of the season. George Smith’s contract with the Brumbies ends at the end of May, and the likelihood of an extension is unlikely. Smith is a key player for the Suntory and a second contract with the Brumbies might be void in terms of IRB laws.